Uttar Pradesh and Bihar Discuss Roadmap for Buddhist Tourism Development
India’s Buddhist Circuit Set for Major Development and Global Promotion
State Strengthening Buddhist Circuit for Global Tourism- Jaiveer Singh
India’s Buddhist Sites Hold Immense Potential for Tourism Expansion- Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
Lucknow, March 11, 2025- A meeting was held at Hotel Ashoka in Delhi on Tuesday to discuss the development and promotion of Buddhist tourism in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The meeting saw the presence of Union Minister of Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of State for Tourism, Suresh Gopi, V Vidyavathi, Secretary of Tourism and Special Secretary, Eesha Priya, representing UP-Tourism in the meeting.
The Uttar Pradesh Minister for Tourism and Culture, Jaiveer Singh, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Mukesh Meshram and other officials attended the meeting from the Directorate of UP-Tourism in Lucknow virtually.
With over 7% of the global population identifying as Buddhist, India holds a crucial place in the religion’s history, with six significant Buddhist destinations in Uttar Pradesh and four in Bihar. The global significance of Buddhism is evident from the overwhelming response witnessed in February 2024, when the sacred relics of Lord Buddha from Uttar Pradesh were taken to Thailand for a 26-day exposition. Displayed in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, and Krabi, the relics attracted over 40 lakh devotees, reflecting a deep spiritual connection and underscoring the far-reaching impact of promoting Buddhist tourism in the state.
The government is focusing on the holistic development of Buddhist sites to offer an experiential tourism rather than just monumental sightseeing. This approach aims to boost the local economy and create livelihood opportunities for the local population. Additionally, there are discussions around including independent monasteries to further enhance the appeal of Buddhist tourism.
Uttar Pradesh is home to six Buddhist sites in Sarnath, Kushinagar, Sravasti, Kapilvastu, Kaushambi and Sankisa. The meeting also discussed the need to develop state-level institutions for managing Buddhist Tourism destination and upgrading the connectivity, civic infrastructure, hospitality services, tourist interpretation and facilitation centres and capacious parking’s matching the global standards.
Asian Development Bank consultant Srinivas Koligi informed that a proposal of Rs 4,211 crore has been prepared for the development of six major Buddhist tourist centers in Uttar Pradesh, including Sarnath, Kushinagar, Shravasti, Kapilvastu, Kaushambi, and Sankisa. In the first phase, a Project Preparation Report (PPR) of Rs 2,220 crore has been prepared and submitted for Sarnath, Kushinagar, Shravasti, and Kapilvastu, while Kaushambi and Sankisa will be developed in the second phase.
The Asian Development Bank also presented a detailed analysis of how further development can boost tourism at the Buddhist sites in India and their value addition through collaboration with international organisations like UNSECO and United Nation World Trade Organisation (UNWTO). Additionally, a Buddhist Circuit Destination Development Report has also been submitted. The meeting also discussed the pending funds at the central government level. Furthermore, a request was made to organize the annual Buddhist festival in Kushinagar on Buddha Purnima with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
During the meeting, the Union Minister, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, stated that with focused efforts, India, particularly the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which hold deep historical and spiritual ties to the life of Lord Buddha, can transform these initiatives into a significant boost for inbound tourism. By offering world-class facilities that cater to the global Buddhist community, India can position itself as a premier Buddhist tourism destination. With its immense potential in this sector, consolidated efforts can ensure that Buddhist heritage sites across the country not only preserve their sanctity but also attract millions of pilgrims and travellers seeking a profound spiritual experience.
Connected virtually, the Minister of Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh, Shri Jaiveer Singh, stated during the meeting that the state is already working in alignment with the growing significance of Buddhist tourism worldwide. Recognizing the deep historical and spiritual importance of Buddhist sites in Uttar Pradesh, the government has been actively enhancing infrastructure and facilities to further boost tourism. The state has a well-established Buddhist Circuit, which is continually being upgraded by identifying the shortcomings to provide a seamless and enriching experience for visitors. Additionally, Uttar Pradesh is already working on a focused roadmap to strengthen its position as a premier Buddhist tourism destination through strategic development, promotion, and collaboration. With consolidated efforts, the state aims to attract a larger influx of international pilgrims and tourists, ensuring that its rich Buddhist heritage receives the global recognition it deserves.
